Tax season is finally almost over and for many of us that means a nice refund check will be coming soon. The average American tax payer will get back over $3,000 this year and that’s a nice chunk of change, but where should it go? Below you’ll find our top 5 picks for treating yourself this tax season.

Most people will say that it’s an excellent opportunity to pay off credit card debts, build your stock portfolio or start a new savings account for the future. However, if you’re looking for more instant gratification and a little less practical, you’ve come to the right place. Think of it as your reward for another successful filing and a time to treat yourself for getting through it once again.

2. Perhaps there’s a vacation that you’ve been putting off, a tax refund may be the excuse you need to book that travel. A plane flight to a tropical paradise can be a great reward for making it through another tax season unscathed. TripAdvisor has a list of the top 25 all-inclusive resorts around the world.

3. Tax time is stressful for many of us, and you may have a lot of tension to work out once you’ve filed. When the refund comes, use some of it to pay your body back. Treat yourself to a massage and relax those shoulders, or pay for a day at the spa. Groupon offers discounts on your local spa packages when you use the code SALE3 at checkout.

4. Get in shape. That New Year’s Resolution to spend more time working out didn’t last very long, did it? Here’s your second chance to focus on fitness. Use the tax refund to join a gym, buy a new bike that’ll get you on the trails more often or sign up for a workout program that will encourage you to get to the gym. Not only will you have fun, you’ll get healthier in the bargain. You could try the Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband. It’s an Amazon best seller and it can keep track of just about any wellness stat you can think of.

5. Finally, even if you’re saving most of your tax refund, it’s OK to spend a little on something you wouldn’t ordinarily treat yourself to. If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or something as small as a specialty coffee drink or a decadent dessert can be a reward for a tax season well-completed – and still leave the majority of the money in your savings account.

About the Author

Jared Weintraub is a Senior Deal-Slinger at 9to5Toys. He contributes to the Daily Deals, Smartphone Accessories and monthly Netflix columns. Message him anytime at Jared@9to5Mac.com for reviews and products.